Grace & Wit

How to Buckle a Seatbelt

Once I was on a plane late at night and the punchy flight attendant said, “…and for those of you who have not been in an automobile since 1965, here’s how you buckle a seat belt.” On Virgin America, which I’m on right this minute on the way back to California, the pre-recorded announcement says,… Continue reading How to Buckle a Seatbelt

Nora Ephron and her “Exit” File

“Nora Ephron’s Last Love Story”  in July 10’s New York Post about the writer’s star-studded July 9 memorial service reminded me I’d yet to write about this fabulous woman’s legacy and untimely “exit,” as she had labeled the file containing her meticulous instructions about how she wanted things at her death. Wry–and thoughtful–to the end. The Huffington… Continue reading Nora Ephron and her “Exit” File

Sister Act – via The Peak of Chic

Dear Readers, I was so struck by the charm and originality of fellow blogger and House Beautiful contributing editor Jennifer Boles’s Peak of Chic post today that I wanted to share it with you. Funnily enough my sister Duvall has a trunk show clothing business called Sister Act Collections, so-called because I sort of got… Continue reading Sister Act – via The Peak of Chic

Flew to France, Watched Dancing, Planted Roses, in That Order Backwards

Have just landed in France and driven 72 years to Dijon. Okay 3 hours to Dijon and another 3 to get to the hotel which you cannot get to because every street is one-way opposite the way you need to go and the other streets are closed for construction… So finally I am lying on… Continue reading Flew to France, Watched Dancing, Planted Roses, in That Order Backwards

My Sister the Tango Temptress, Dancing for Alzheimer’s

Did you ever wonder what would happen if you went on Dancing With the Stars? Me neither. Okay maybe a little. Well now I have a pretty good idea thanks to my baby sister who has been working her bo-hiney off in a local charity’s take-off on DWTS  called “Dancing Stars of Atlanta.” The purpose… Continue reading My Sister the Tango Temptress, Dancing for Alzheimer’s

East Hampton Memorial Day Highlights

If you’re in a small town and they have a parade, you must always go because you are guaranteed to feel good. Parades exist for the sole purpose of show, smiling and cheering. Memorial Day parades in particular honor our military and all who serve country and community. In East Hampton and small towns everywhere… Continue reading East Hampton Memorial Day Highlights

Thoughts on High School Graduation and Growing up so Dang Fast

It was the most beautiful weekend in Atlanta, as our family watched two of my sister’s babies graduate high school. WTF? I remember like yesterday standing in her door holding John Rex in my arms and blowing on his forehead, which he seemed to like. I would not try this now if I were you.… Continue reading Thoughts on High School Graduation and Growing up so Dang Fast

(So Good You Want to) Slap Yo’ Mama

The last time I was in LA for meetings I spied this food truck parked along the street. It must be good. A hundred years ago when I was working for Style Weekly in Richmond, I laughed out loud reading a restaurant review by the brilliant and adorable George Stoddart – no longer with us,… Continue reading (So Good You Want to) Slap Yo’ Mama

Desert Blooms, a Labyrinth, and a Little Dust-up

The last few weeks have got me discombobulated and now back in hectic New York, where workmen are hanging on a scaffold outside my office window and apparently in the process of drilling the building into kingdom come. So I’m calming myself–and you too, maybe–with a walk through the Sonoran desert in Arizona. Can it… Continue reading Desert Blooms, a Labyrinth, and a Little Dust-up

Wisdom from Mae West

You only live once, but when you do it right, once is enough. And to this I would only add words from the great Austin Powers: “Yeah, baby.” Here’s to doing it right, right now. Happy weekend.